ZA-18 Steel
ZA-18 Steel
Quick look
- Hardness window: 61–63 HRC using the same heat cycles Shihan documents for its pro shears.1
- Toughness: Higher molybdenum and cobalt loads toughen the stainless matrix so the edge keeps its polish through demanding services.1,2
- Corrosion profile: 17–18% chromium plus cobalt delivers exceptional chemical resistance for humid, product-heavy salons.1,2
- Weight/feel: Often forged into balanced convex bodies—sharp yet refined with minimal drag even on dense sections.1
Why it matters
ZA-18 is Aichi Steel’s answer to “what comes after VG-10.” By boosting carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt, the alloy hardens to the low 60s HRC while staying stainless and forgiving to service.2 For stylists that means longer edge life, less time on the stone, and blades that shrug off coloring services and disinfectant cycles.
Shear pairing & edge compatibility
- Convex 5.5–6.0 in precision shears: Leverage the high hardness for glassy perimeter and point work.
- Hybrid texturizers: ZA-18’s toughness supports polished teeth for controlled slide and slice techniques on medium to coarse hair.
Technique map
- Salon rotations jumping between blunt foundations, interior point detailing, and slide cutting.
- High-volume color or smoothing specialists who need corrosion resistance without sacrificing bite.
- Detail barbering on medium/coarse textures where a polished convex edge must stay keen between appointments.
Real-world stress tests
- Edge retention: Plan on roughly 1,200–1,500 salon cuts (~6–8 weeks at 25 cuts/day) before a pro tune-up—Shihan reports annual servicing for busy stylists thanks to ZA-18’s carbide-rich structure.1
- Impact/drop resilience: Hardened to 61–63 HRC, so dropped tips can chip—keep holstered and maintain controlled closures.1
- Weight & in-hand feel: Boutique builders highlight the nimble, low-fatigue close that comes from pairing refined ZA-18 blades with ergonomic handles.1
Maintenance notes
Wipe, dry, and oil after each client; the alloy resists corrosion but salon chemicals still etch if they sit.1 Reset tension weekly and request a cool, convex polish when sharpening so the cobalt-enhanced edge keeps its mirror finish.1
Industry snapshot
- Shihan Shears ZA-18 line: U.S.-based pro shears forged from Japanese ZA-18—stylists report yearly sharpening cycles while keeping razor-sharp cutting performance in chemical-heavy salons.1
Trade-offs
- Requires attentive cleaning—while stainless, product residue can dull the cobalt-rich edge.
- Hardness punishes over-torquing; twisting blades together will fracture the apex.
- Premium billet pricing sits above VG-10—budget for the upgrade if you’re chasing longer intervals between services.2
Sources
Related: VG-10 • V1 Carbon • Scissor Maintenance